RELIGIOUS AND SPIRITUAL PRACTICES

Hinduism is a vegetarian religion, though it has accepted the eating of meat for those who are not yet ready for the spiritual life. Buddhism and Jainism also emphasize vegetarianism, though Buddhism as it is practiced in many Buddhists countries today does not always done this. In Buddhist countries like China which don't emphasize vegetarianism for the common people, it is still stressed for the monks. Vegetarianism goes hand in hand with non-violence and helps promote a deeper sensitivity in life. Religions based upon non-violence have always emphasized vegetarianism.

Meat diet causes many diseases. Modern studies show that cancer, heart disease, arthritis and other ailments occur more frequently in meat eaters, and that vegetarians have generally a better longevity. Above all, meat tends to dull our sensitivities, which is why most great thinkers tend to eat less meat. Hence, it is a scientific matter that meat-eating has many negative side-effects.

In addition we must consider the special crisis of the planet today, wherein meat consumption is one of the prime causes of pollution and the devastation of the natural environment. It also encourages a lack of respect for animal life that is behind the reduction of natural inhabitants in the world.

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